How does your garden grow?

Ten of H.V. Adams' fourth and fifth graders began growing a garden of greens back in November. Fifth grade teacher, Sharivia Wyatt, rewarded those who participated, by having a celebration to show off their accomplishments, henceforth Harvest of the Greens was born.

HOG took place earlier this month in Wyatt's classroom, where the students kept the garden's growth documented. With help from Southern University Ag Center extension agent Odis Hill, the garden grew bigger and greener than the initial one they'd grown the year before. The celebration attracted family members and community leaders, who tasted tested the final product, while listening to presentationson could yield better health.

“We're here showing everyone the schools's garden,” Hill said. “We even had parents and local ministers show up. Mr. Nordwin.

Family and Consumer Science Agent for SU AgCenter, Carolyn Robinson, gave a presentation on portions and how healthy gardens such as this one, could yield healthier lives.

“I encouraged the kids to make most of food on their plates fruits and vegetables,” Robinson said. “I brought with me a plate which demonstrates the ratio of food groups that a person should take in.”

Hill said the funding for the garden and it's victory party, came from a mini grant of $1,000, that Hill and Robinson applied for through SU.

Principal Marilyn Taylor said she liked the fact that the garden benefitted the children by being a fun learning tool.

“They would take the measurements of the plants and then come inside an write them down in journals,” Taylor said. “This has been a learning experience for them, as well as being fun.”

Other special guests who attended the event were Vice Chancellor for the SU Ag extension in Baton Rouge, Dr. Gina Eubanks and Associate Specialist Family and Human Development agent for the SU Ag Center in Baton Rouge, Kasundra Cyrus.

Hill thanked everyone for coming, especially the volunteer who prepared the greens, local resident Vannessa Cotton Moore. He said before too long, they'll begin a new garden to match the warmer season.

“We'll come back out in the spring and plant watermelons, cantaloupe cucumbers and tomatoes,” he said. “I'll come out periodically and encourage them to thin them out. All in all, the students and Mrs. Wyatt did a great job.”